CONTROLLING BOYFRIEND GETS SUSPENDED SENTENCE AFTER CHRISTMAS ASSAULT ON PARTNER
A man named Hayden Norton was sentenced after he attacked his partner on Christmas Day following an argument over her talking to her daughter on the phone.The incident occurred in St Mabyn near Wadebridge last year, where Norton, aged 54 and residing at Nebular Court in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, began insulting his partner and making threats to inflict physical violence.
He threatened to 'find her and rip her heart out' if he were to be arrested.
The assault started shortly before 7 pm on Christmas Day, when Norton became frustrated during the holiday stay at a holiday cottage.
He slapped his partner twice and then punched and kicked her multiple times.
His victim, a mother of four and a successful traveler, managed to escape and lock herself in a bedroom, even keeping a window open to escape if necessary.
Police were called, and Norton was arrested.
During police interviews, he initially denied causing her injuries, claiming they were old and that she 'bruises easily'.
He pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm, which included injuries like a perforated eardrum and bruises.
A victim impact statement revealed how she had been left feeling 'broken' and described the injuries as part of a pattern of ongoing abuse, stating that his treatment made her feel like 'an animal'.
Norton had previous convictions for eight offences, including assault causing injury in 2018 and battery in 2015.
The court considered his history and mitigation, noting he had struggled with grief and substance abuse but had made efforts to change, including moving away and seeking help.
He was sentenced to 32 months in prison, suspended for two years, ordered to pay £500 in costs, and was subject to a five-year restraining order preventing contact with his victim or visiting her address in Portsmouth.
The judge emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence in his decision.
